The 70th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is taking place in Vienna fr om September 14 to 18, 2026. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom,” took part in the plenary session.
“Today, the world is experiencing a renaissance in nuclear energy while at the same time facing unprecedented threats to nuclear facilities. Tripling nuclear capacity by mid-century is no longer merely a topic for expert debate, but a practical response to growing electricity demand, climate challenges and the need to ensure energy sovereignty. On the one hand, we are seeing genuine growth in interest in nuclear energy and making plans to expand nuclear capacity. We can state that the overwhelming majority of countries have recognised that nuclear energy is indispensable and in demand. On the other hand, we are living in a world wh ere nuclear facilities are being attacked almost on a daily basis, creating risks to their safety. What was previously unthinkable has become a reality,” Alexey Likhachev said, stressing that in this context, the role of the IAEA is more important than ever. “We greatly value the fact that IAEA staff are present at the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant, putting their lives at risk. This week will see the 35th rotation of IAEA observers. We recognise the personal commitment and courage of the Agency’s Director General Rafael Grossi. At the same time, we believe that, given the dramatic situation, the Agency, as the specialised international organisation, should not lim it itself to documenting attacks, but should also provide an objective assessment of what is happening,” the Rosatom head said.
On the sidelines of the General Conference,
Rosatom Director General also met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to
discuss the situation at the Zaporozhskaya Nuclear Power Plant.
Rosatom’s participation in the General Conference includes a business programme and an exhibition stand. Today, Rosatom is a global leader in the nuclear industry, with 46 power units under construction in 10 countries, including Russia, and accounts for 90 % of the global nuclear power plant export market (28 of 32 power units). The Rosatom stand showcases small modular reactors, Generation IV technologies, solutions for data centres and the company’s expertise in workforce development and training.
The General Conference is the IAEA’s supreme
policy-making body and convenes annually in Vienna. It addresses matters
relating to the Agency’s ongoing work, budget, and priorities, and serves as a
platform for discussing strategic issues in the use of nuclear energy. Sessions
of the General Conference, along with statements by officials and delegates,
will be livestreamed for the general public at: https://livestreaming.iaea.org/meeting/5b568283-bbf2-4a8c-e015-08df0f4d4bbb
.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a non-profit, autonomous intergovernmental organisation established in 1957 within the United Nations system. The IAEA currently comprises 180 member states. The Agency serves as the world’s centre for cooperation in the nuclear field, promotes the safe use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes, and conducts safeguards and verification activities to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. IAEA headquarters are located in Vienna, Austria.
